While both books are important contributions to the field they do not approach the scope of Blight’s study, both in terms of the time frame and topics covered. These and other studies, along with an even larger number of scholarly articles, have shown that reconciliation did not always triumph, bitterness remained among veterans, and memory of slavery and emancipation may have been more vibrant throughout the postwar period than we thought. At the same time we do need to explain why our memory of the war since the 1960s has emphasized reconciliationist themes that go back to the turn of the twentieth century. In other words, we don’t want to err by minimizing the pull of reconciliation.

Bummer reviewed Carolyn’s presentation and was thoroughly impressed with her style and deportment. Her explanation of union veteran transition on why they fought, years after the conflict, reinforced many oral rememberances of family members of the early 1900’s.

I believe most situations have vast complexities and nuances. However, it is important to look at the result. The fact is that, when Glory came out, a lot of people were astonished to find out about the the black contribution to the Union military, especially its extent and the number of combat troops involved. I was approaching and reaching adolescence during the Civil War centennial and the amount of literal white washing was formidable. The popular TV shows that involved Civil War characters tended to focus on Confederates like John Mosby as the hero.